The Little Badger Educator Team
We are proud of our dedicated teachers and support workers at Little Badger Early Learning. We have worked hard to create a positive work place culture but our team of educators truly makes Little Badgers a place we are all proud of.
Meet our team!
Carrie Rickards
General Manager
Carrie started as the General Manager of the Eva Joseph Learning and Cultural Society in 2014. She is also involved with Aboriginal Headstart and the Community Playgroup, which the Society piloted as part of the first offering of the Entry to Early Childhood Education program.
Evelyn Walker
Lead Teacher
Evy has worked with children and families for close to 20 years through Mother Goose programs, Strong Start, preschools and daycares. Evy grew up in the Columbia Valley and chose to raise her own family here.
Ashley Killin
Early Childhood Educator
Ashley has worked with children and families for over 10 years. She enjoys learning each child’s individual personality and finding the best way to help them learn. Ashley grew up in the Columbia Valley and is now raising her own family in Invermere.
Christine Wheeler
Early Childhood Educator & Inclusive Child Care Worker
Christine grew up in Victoria BC and moved to the Columbia Valley in December of 2022 with her partner and daughter. Christine has always known that she wanted to work with children and completed her Early Childhood Education in 2017. Christine is contracted through Paqmi Nuqyuk Aboriginal Early Year’s Program as an Aboriginal Supported Child Development worker. Her role is to provide extra support to ensure inclusion in the classroom.
Courtenay Meekes
Early Childhood Educator
Courtenay is eager to share her love for the valley with the children and families in our programs. She has a passion for adventure and a strong belief that not only does nature calm the soul, but it is the best teacher for young children.
Emma Bensemann
Early Childhood Educator Assistant
Emma is from New Zealand, she moved to Canada in April 2023 with her husband and daughter. She is passionate about giving young children the best start in life. She aims to make the children feel nurtured, so they feel confident to explore, create and learn through play.
Emma Shaw
Early Childhood Educator Assistant
Emma loves adventures and is always finding new and exciting ways to bring education to the children in a play-based way.
When not at Badgers, Emma is on adventures with her family.
Grace Curley
Early Childhood Educator
Grace is a passionate educator committed to providing quality care and programming to the Badger Cubs. When not at work you can find Grace out on the trails and seeking adventure.
Megan Jones
Early Childhood Educator
Megan Jones is an Early Childhood Educator who believes in a holistic approach to childcare. Megan has years of experience working with children and families having run her own family child care in Invermere for the past several years. Megan is excited to join the team at Little Badgers and explore the surrounding land and opportunities for learning though play.
Kim Dyck
Early Childhood Educator Assistant
Kim brings a passion of play to the center and is eager to explore the surrounding area with the Badger crew.
Kim is working to complete her ECE certificate and considers herself a lifelong learner.
Laine Dunlop
Afterschool Teacher
Laine grew up in the valley and has enjoyed everything it has to offer from winter skiing to camping. She is excited to be able to share her love of the outdoors with the children in the afterschool programs. Laine is currently taking her Warly Childhood Education online and is happy to be back in school as she considers herself a lifelong learner
Shana Walsh
Early Childhood Educator Assistant
Shana grew up in the Columbia valley and loves sharing her passion for swimming and water safety. When not working to complete her Early Childhood Education Certificate you can find Shana exploring the Valleys hiking trails with her pup.
Tajpreet Kaur
Early Childhood Educator
Working with children is Taj’s greatest passion. She love seeing kids learn and having fun.
Taj is looking forward to working with and having fun with your children.
Taylor Botterill
Early Childhood Educator
Taylor is an avid hockey player and loves winter in the Valley just a little bit more then summer!
When not at badgers you can find Taylor exploring the woods with her dog, Vicky. Taylor is always up for an adventure with the Badger kids.
Hannah Wong
Inclusive Child Care Worker
Hannah is an employee for Community Connections, a community-based, family-centered, child development program that is grounded in the belief that inclusion is the most important principle in supporting children to actively participate in a full range of programs. Hannah is an outdoor enthusiast with a passion for gardening! When she is not working in the community, she can be found spending time with friends and her dog, Darren.
Devon Hawkins
Early Childhood Educator
Devon loves working in education and is thrilled to be a part of the Little Badgers team. She believes in childcare that provides endless opportunities for exploration and growth. In her spare time she loves to go hiking, camping and fishing.
Devon is currently on parental leave.
Jade Fong
Early Childhood Educator Assistant
Jade is currently completing her Early Childhood Education online. Jade loves the outdoor and when not exploring around Little Badgers she is adventuring with her family!
Jade is currently on parental leave.
Olivia Rasilainen
Early Childhood Educator
Olivia has strong family values and recognizes that families come in all shapes and sizes. She is honored that families trust us with their children and works hard to ensure each child is nurtured and loved in our programs. Olivia is an advocate for indigenous learning and strives to bring cultural appropriate practices into her teachings.
Olivia is currently on parental leave.
Kara Rosenkranz
Early Childhood Educator Assistant & Inclusive Child Care Worker
Kara loves the outdoors and enjoys the many activities the Columbia Valley offers. She is passionate about getting our kids outside and inspiring them to be active.
Kara is currently on parental leave.
Jane Herman
Substitute Teacher, Early Childhood Educator
Jane retired to the Columbia Valley with her husband and brought a her experience in child care and management with her. We are extremely blessed to have her calm and kind presence within our programs.
Maxine Hawes
Substitute Teacher, Early Childhood Educator
Maxine was one of the founders of Little Badger Early Learning Programs in 2006.
Maxine has a wealth of knowledge and experience and it is a privilege to have her touch the life’s of our staff and children.